According to ESPN's Brett McMurphy, the Crimson Tide will face off against the Cardinals to open the 2018 season. The game will take place on September 1, 2018 in the Orlando Citrus Bowl which currently seats 65,000.
If Bobby Petrino can resist doing something stupid, he will face off against Nick Saban for the first time since Alabama won their fourth straight over his Arkansas team in 2011.
Saban vs. Petrino
| Season | Nick Saban | Bobby Petrino | Outcome | Location |
| 2008 | Alabama | Arkansas | Win, 49-14 | Away |
| 2009 | Alabama | Arkansas | Win, 35-7 | Home |
| 2010 | Alabama | Arkansas | Win, 24-20 | Away |
| 2011 | Alabama | Arkansas | Win, 38-14 | Home |
The Tide last faced the 'Ville to end a disappointing 1990 season at 7-5 with a 34-7 loss in the Fiesta Bowl.